Ministry of Clouds 2023 Grenache

McLaren Vale, fewer than 50 ks south of Adelaide's CBD, is well known for the high quality of its wines.

Tempered by gulf breezes, grapes thrive during the long hot summer, particularly southern Rhône varieties such as Grenache.

Ministry of Clouds creates a magical Grenache from 80+ years old bush vines. By the way, bush vine means grown without a trellis.

Isn't this a lovely name?

Two talented winemakers run this small show and they're very good at it.

We rarely recommend reading the fine print on labels. Too often it's boring and predictable prose but the Ministry of Clouds label quirkily and sweetly describes why they do what they do.

This Grenache manages a fine line between light and full bodied. It's not dark weather like a lot of Grenache, instead being spring-like and gently sunny.

There's enough tannin to guarantee a long life if you decide to throw it into the cellar but it's also delicious drinking right now.

We had it with barbecued wagyu flank steak, rare and redolent with southeast Asian flavours, a lip-smacking match.

It would pair equally well with a marinara pizza.

Or thinly sliced tea-smoked hoisin slathered roast duck breast with a wombok, carrot and shallot salad. 

Interestingly, swap out the duck with firm tofu for a vegan version.

A nice bit of grilled salmon not from a Tassie factory farm with a lightly vinegared soy and mushroom sauce would make this wine sing.

You could go all traditional and have it with pré-salée leg of lamb with lots of garlic and rosemary.

This beautifully made wine demands attention and we hope you pay it some.